President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

The anti-Trump protest in Beverly Hills.
Tom Kisken/USA TODAY

Anti-Trump protesters hold up signs along Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills before the start of a rally at Beverly Gardens Park. President Donald Trump is in Southern California for his first visit since being elected president in 2016. Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Anti-Trump protesters hold up signs along Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills before the start of a rally at Beverly Gardens Park. President Donald Trump is in Southern California for his first visit since being elected president in 2016.
Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY

Gregg Donovan was one of just a handful of President Donald Trump supporters at an anti-Trump rally at Beverly Gardens Park. Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Gregg Donovan was one of just a handful of President Donald Trump supporters at an anti-Trump rally at Beverly Gardens Park.
Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY

President Donald Trump supporter Gregg Donovan listens to an anti-Trump protester before the start of a rally at Beverly Gardens Park. Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

President Donald Trump supporter Gregg Donovan listens to an anti-Trump protester before the start of a rally at Beverly Gardens Park.
Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

De Le of San Diego, cheers during rally in support of President Trump a few miles form where President Trump will visits the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

De Le of San Diego, cheers during rally in support of President Trump a few miles form where President Trump will visits the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Nikki Desjardins joins with hundreds of protesters gathered outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in San Ysidro to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Nikki Desjardins joins with hundreds of protesters gathered outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in San Ysidro to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018.
Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA.
Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Hundreds of protesters gather outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Hundreds of protesters gather outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Hundreds of protesters gather outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Hundreds of protesters gather outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Bill Sparks (left) and Sarah Garfield (right) hold a sign along with hundreds of protesters gathered outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Bill Sparks (left) and Sarah Garfield (right) hold a sign along with hundreds of protesters gathered outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Hundreds of protesters gather outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Hundreds of protesters gather outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Nikki Desjardins joins with hundreds of protesters gathered outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA. Nick Oza/The Arizona Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Nikki Desjardins joins with hundreds of protesters gathered outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA.
Nick Oza/The Arizona Republic

Reverend Jose Zarate prays with protesters gathered outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Reverend Jose Zarate prays with protesters gathered outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2018. Church is located at 2020 Alaquinas Dr, San Ysidro, CA.
Nick Oza/The Republic

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, on March 13, 2018. Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, on March 13, 2018.
Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

President Trump pitches putting military in space as a “Space Force” while addressing military in Miramar on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Nate Kelly/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

President Trump pitches putting military in space as a “Space Force” while addressing military in Miramar on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Nate Kelly/The Republic

President Trump arrives to speak to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018. Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

President Trump arrives to speak to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018.
Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

President Donald Trump speaks to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, on March 13, 2018. Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

President Donald Trump speaks to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, on March 13, 2018.
Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump arrives to speak to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018. Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

US President Donald Trump arrives to speak to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018.
Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Trump supporter Cameron Baker of San Diego, during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump visited the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Trump supporter Cameron Baker of San Diego, during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump visited the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Police back people out of the street during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where the president visited the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Police back people out of the street during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where the president visited the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

People cheer during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where the president visited the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

People cheer during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where the president visited the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

People listen to speeches during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump visited the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

People listen to speeches during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump visited the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles form where President Trump visited the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles form where President Trump visited the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

William Alfano of Riverside, Calif., and his son Michael Alfano, 6, during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

William Alfano of Riverside, Calif., and his son Michael Alfano, 6, during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Mike Tucker (left) of Placentia, Calif., and Kira Innis of Los Angeles, listen to speeches during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Mike Tucker (left) of Placentia, Calif., and Kira Innis of Los Angeles, listen to speeches during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

People cheer during a rally in support of the President Trump a few miles from the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

People cheer during a rally in support of the President Trump a few miles from the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Kira Innis of Los Angeles, during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Kira Innis of Los Angeles, during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Kira Innis of Los Angeles, during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Kira Innis of Los Angeles, during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Mexican federal police officers stand guard on the Mexico side of the border on March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Donald Trump visited the site of the border-wall prototypes, which can be seen in the background behind the wall. Gregory Bull/Associated Press

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Mexican federal police officers stand guard on the Mexico side of the border on March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Donald Trump visited the site of the border-wall prototypes, which can be seen in the background behind the wall.
Gregory Bull/Associated Press

Law enforcement is awaiting President Trump’s arrival at the entrance of the border wall prototypes. Lots of onlookers are behind the officers chanting in support or against President Trump on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Rafael Carranza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Law enforcement is awaiting President Trump’s arrival at the entrance of the border wall prototypes. Lots of onlookers are behind the officers chanting in support or against President Trump on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Rafael Carranza/The Republic

Military fatigues and a few MAGA hats are seen in the crowd at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar ahead of the president's visit to California on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Alden Woods/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Military fatigues and a few MAGA hats are seen in the crowd at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar ahead of the president's visit to California on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Alden Woods/The Republic

Supporters of President Trump gather for a rally Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. Kyusung Gong/AP

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Supporters of President Trump gather for a rally Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego.
Kyusung Gong/AP

Protesters hang signs on the border wall. One says “stop the massive deportations” in Spanish. The Military is guarding the prototypes on the U.S. side of the wall as a helicopter circles in the sky ahead of the president's visit to California on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Protesters hang signs on the border wall. One says “stop the massive deportations” in Spanish. The Military is guarding the prototypes on the U.S. side of the wall as a helicopter circles in the sky ahead of the president's visit to California on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

A protester holds up a sign during a rally against a scheduled visit by President Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. Protesters chanted, “No ban! No wall!” near the San Ysidro border crossing, where tens of thousands of people enter the U.S. daily from Tijuana, Mexico, many on their way to work or school in San Diego. Kyusung Gong/AP

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

A protester holds up a sign during a rally against a scheduled visit by President Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. Protesters chanted, “No ban! No wall!” near the San Ysidro border crossing, where tens of thousands of people enter the U.S. daily from Tijuana, Mexico, many on their way to work or school in San Diego.
Kyusung Gong/AP

A person protests President Trump by the border fence on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

A person protests President Trump by the border fence on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California.
Nick Oza/The Republic

A crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., to protest President Trump's visit to see the border wall prototypes. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

A crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., to protest President Trump's visit to see the border wall prototypes.
Nick Oza/The Republic

A crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., to protest President Trump's visit to see the border wall prototypes. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

A crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., to protest President Trump's visit to see the border wall prototypes.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Protesters hold signs that read “Immigrants make America great” and “No hate in the Golden State” ahead of the President Trump's visit to California on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Ian James/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Protesters hold signs that read “Immigrants make America great” and “No hate in the Golden State” ahead of the President Trump's visit to California on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Ian James/Desert Sun

A man is selling paletas in front of the border fence as more and more Mexican federal police arrive ahead of the president's visit to California on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

A man is selling paletas in front of the border fence as more and more Mexican federal police arrive ahead of the president's visit to California on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

A crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

A crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Nick Oza/The Republic

A crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., including Judith Castro, a 27-year-old instructional aide at a school. Castro said, "My dad was deported in 2006, and Mom was deported in 2007. There’s a lot of mixed emotions. I had to learn how to take care of four other siblings. I want him to know that we don’t have money to go to a wall. We want the money to go to a better education system." Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

A crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., including Judith Castro, a 27-year-old instructional aide at a school. Castro said, "My dad was deported in 2006, and Mom was deported in 2007. There’s a lot of mixed emotions. I had to learn how to take care of four other siblings. I want him to know that we don’t have money to go to a wall. We want the money to go to a better education system."
Nick Oza/The Republic

A crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., including Judith Castro, a 27-year-old instructional aide at a school. Castro said, "My dad was deported in 2006, and Mom was deported in 2007. There’s a lot of mixed emotions. I had to learn how to take care of four other siblings. I want him to know that we don’t have money to go to a wall. We want the money to go to a better education system." Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

A crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., including Judith Castro, a 27-year-old instructional aide at a school. Castro said, "My dad was deported in 2006, and Mom was deported in 2007. There’s a lot of mixed emotions. I had to learn how to take care of four other siblings. I want him to know that we don’t have money to go to a wall. We want the money to go to a better education system."
Nick Oza/The Republic

Judith Castro, a 27-year-old instructional aide at a school said, "My dad was deported in 2006, and Mom was deported in 2007. There’s a lot of mixed emotions. I had to learn how to take care of four other siblings. I want him to know that we don’t have money to go to a wall. We want the money to go to a better education system." Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Judith Castro, a 27-year-old instructional aide at a school said, "My dad was deported in 2006, and Mom was deported in 2007. There’s a lot of mixed emotions. I had to learn how to take care of four other siblings. I want him to know that we don’t have money to go to a wall. We want the money to go to a better education system."
Nick Oza/The Republic

Estela Jimenez and Octavio Aguilar scream 'Build bridges! Not wall!' near San Ysidro Border during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Estela Jimenez and Octavio Aguilar scream 'Build bridges! Not wall!' near San Ysidro Border during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Jules Luna screams 'Build bridges! Not wall!' near San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Jules Luna screams 'Build bridges! Not wall!' near San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Jules Luna screams'Build bridges! Not wall!'' as a crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Jules Luna screams'Build bridges! Not wall!'' as a crowd of protesters gather at the San Ysidro Border in San Diego Calif., to protest during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Selena Espinoza, 23, protests near San Ysidro Border during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Nick Oza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Selena Espinoza, 23, protests near San Ysidro Border during President Trump's visit to see border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Mexican federal police cordon off a street directly south of the border-wall prototypes in the Magisterial neighborhood of Tijuana, Mexico, in anticipation of President Donald Trump's visit to the area on March 13, 2018. Omar Ornelas/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Mexican federal police cordon off a street directly south of the border-wall prototypes in the Magisterial neighborhood of Tijuana, Mexico, in anticipation of President Donald Trump's visit to the area on March 13, 2018.
Omar Ornelas/Desert Sun

Mexican Federal Police cordon off a street directly south of the border wall prototypes in the Magisterial neighborhood of Tijuana, Mexico in anticipation of President's Trump's visit to the area. Omar Ornelas/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Mexican Federal Police cordon off a street directly south of the border wall prototypes in the Magisterial neighborhood of Tijuana, Mexico in anticipation of President's Trump's visit to the area.
Omar Ornelas/Desert Sun

About 40 people from the Hotel del Migrante Deportado, a hotel for deported migrants, are protesting by the border fence. They chanted “We don’t want the wall,” in Spanish on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California. Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

About 40 people from the Hotel del Migrante Deportado, a hotel for deported migrants, are protesting by the border fence. They chanted “We don’t want the wall,” in Spanish on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California.
Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

Mexican and American media climbed a ladder onto a semi-stable roof to get a view of the border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California. Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Mexican and American media climbed a ladder onto a semi-stable roof to get a view of the border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California.
Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

The border wall prototypes can be seen through the existing border wall from the Tijuana side. Border Patrol vans and other federal law enforcement are also present preparing for President Trump’s visit on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

The border wall prototypes can be seen through the existing border wall from the Tijuana side. Border Patrol vans and other federal law enforcement are also present preparing for President Trump’s visit on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

Firefighters, the Marine Corps police and the CA Highway Patrol make their way to the #BorderWall prototypes siteon Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California. Rafael Carranza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Firefighters, the Marine Corps police and the CA Highway Patrol make their way to the #BorderWall prototypes siteon Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California.
Rafael Carranza/The Republic

Daniel Watman, a U.S. citizen living in Tijuana, is calling for parks instead of walls. “The separation results in people not getting to know each other.” Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Daniel Watman, a U.S. citizen living in Tijuana, is calling for parks instead of walls. “The separation results in people not getting to know each other.”
Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

People during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

People during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

People during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

People during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Jacqueline Hackney (left) and her daughter, Tiffany Hackney, 13, (right) both of Corona, Calif., cheer during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where he will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Jacqueline Hackney (left) and her daughter, Tiffany Hackney, 13, (right) both of Corona, Calif., cheer during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where he will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Greg Brittain of Redland, Calif., during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Greg Brittain of Redland, Calif., during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Loree Masonis of Ontario, Calif., cheers during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Loree Masonis of Ontario, Calif., cheers during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Darlene Smith (left) of Orange County, Calif., dances during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Darlene Smith (left) of Orange County, Calif., dances during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Lisa Collins of Orange County, Calif., waves a flag during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Lisa Collins of Orange County, Calif., waves a flag during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where President Trump will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for a trip to California to view border wall prototypes, Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Evan Vucci/AP

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for a trip to California to view border wall prototypes, Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Andrews Air Force Base, Md.
Evan Vucci/AP

President Trump boards a helicopter on March 13, 2018, en route to San Diego to see prototypes of his border wall. The White House

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

President Trump boards a helicopter on March 13, 2018, en route to San Diego to see prototypes of his border wall.
The White House

After landing in San Diego, Trump will take a chopper to this municipal airport near the border wall prototypes. Customs said they’ll close the area from 11:30AM-3PM on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Rafael Carranza/The Republic

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

After landing in San Diego, Trump will take a chopper to this municipal airport near the border wall prototypes. Customs said they’ll close the area from 11:30AM-3PM on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Rafael Carranza/The Republic

Retired teacher Catheryn Rathsam of San Diego says she thinks it doesn’t make sense ‘to spend billions of dollars on a wall when it could go to build our infrastructure'on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California. Ian James/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Retired teacher Catheryn Rathsam of San Diego says she thinks it doesn’t make sense ‘to spend billions of dollars on a wall when it could go to build our infrastructure'on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California.
Ian James/Desert Sun

Behind the painted border wall are the 8 border wall prototypes. Mexican federal police have closed off about 3 blocks directly across from the prototypeson Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California. Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Behind the painted border wall are the 8 border wall prototypes. Mexican federal police have closed off about 3 blocks directly across from the prototypeson Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California.
Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

Protesters in San Diego protest plans for Donald Trump's border wall on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California. Ian James/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Protesters in San Diego protest plans for Donald Trump's border wall on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California.
Ian James/Desert Sun

Murals in Tijuana, Mexico are shown on March 13, 2018, the day of President Trump's planned visit to San Diego. Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Murals in Tijuana, Mexico are shown on March 13, 2018, the day of President Trump's planned visit to San Diego.
Rebecca Plevin/Desert Sun

Protesters in San Diego protest plans for Donald Trump's border wall on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California. Ian James/Desert Sun

President Donald Trump visits California on March 13, 2018

Protesters in San Diego protest plans for Donald Trump's border wall on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California.
Ian James/Desert Sun

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

SAN DIEGO — President Donald Trump on Tuesday stood alongside the prototypes of the wall on the U.S. border with Mexico, the first tangible steps towards fulfilling one of his most popular and persistent campaign promises.

“If you don’t have a wall system, we’re not going to have a country,” Trump said in brief remarks during his tour.

Trump toured the eight prototypes alongside Rodney Scott, the chief Border Patrol agent for the San Diego sector and James O’Loughlin, the project manager. O'Loughlin carried a binder with information for the president about the prototypes. Scott showed Trump pictures of the area before and after the current fencing went up.

Trump said he preferred a wall design that allowed Border Patrol agents to see through the barrier.

“You have to know what is on the other side of the wall,” he said. “You can be two feet away from a criminal cartel and you don’t even know that they are there.”

Trump said he also preferred the taller walls, saying they acted as a deterrent to people crossing illegally, whom he compared to "professional mountain climbers."

CLOSE

Trump Reviews Border Wall Prototypes in California and talk about how horribly the state is run by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. on March 13, 2018.

Trump said he noticed while driving to the prototypes, along the eastern suburbs of San Diego, that the existing border fence was filled with holes that were patched over. “It’s not doing the trick because they cut holes in it,” Trump said. “The fence is not strong enough. It’s not the right idea.”

In a news conference following his tour, Trump used a bit of Spanish to discuss picking the best design. "We want to make it perfecto," he said.

Trump's tour was monitored by about eight Border Patrol officers on horseback. Mexican agents watched from a guard house across the border.

Trump touched down at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego about 11:30 a.m. local time and he boarded a helicopter to an airport near the eight prototypes for a border wall, his signature campaign promise.

He toured the area until just after 1 p.m.

After that, Trump returned to the Marine Corps airfield to make remarks to members of the military.

CLOSE

President Trump talks about border wall prototypes after touring border on March 13, 2018, saying he prefers a see-through wall and that it will be 99.5 percent successful.

In that speech, Trump said the wall was needed to stop drugs and gangs.

"It will be 99.5 percent successful," he said. "People won't be able to come over it."

Prepping the border for Trump

On Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection spruced up the area around the structures in time for Trump’s tour of the prototypes. Workers added gravel to the dirt roads leading to the site to make it easier to reach, and around the prototypes to make it easier to walk among them. They also propped up metal shipping containers on the south side of the prototypes to block the view from the Mexican side of the border.

Mexican police announced they would also secure the area south of the border. They would restrict access to the Mexican side of the prototypes for the duration of Trump’s visit, police said.

CLOSE

Arizona Republic reporter Rafael Carranza previews President Donald Trump’s visit to San Diego from across the border in Tijuana, Mexico.

By 9 a.m. Tuesday, Mexican federal police had cordoned off approximately three blocks of the dirt road that runs along the existing border wall. Just behind the wall, which is painted with murals featuring pro-migrant and peaceful messages, the eight border wall prototypes tower, visible from the Tijuana side.

The neighborhood near this section of the border wall is quite industrial. About three dozen federal police were patrolling the area. Reporters from local and national outlets climbed onto roofs of homes and businesses to get a bird’s eye view of the prototypes.

The prototypes sit about 100 feet from the solid metal fencing that separates both countries.

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Three border wall prototypes are seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, California, as seen from behind the pre-existing border fencing on the international border between the U.S. and Tijuana, Mexico, on Oct. 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

A border wall prototype is seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, California, as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on Oct. 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

Construction continues of the border wall prototype designed and contracted to Fisher Sand & Gravel of Tempe, among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, California, on Oct. 17, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

Construction continues of the border wall prototype designed and contracted to Fisher Sand & Gravel of Tempe, among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, California, on Oct. 17, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

Two border wall prototypes are seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, Calif., as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on October 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

A border wall prototype is seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, Calif., as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on October 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

A border wall prototypes is seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, Calif., as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on October 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

Two border wall prototypes are seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, Calif., as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on October 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

Three border wall prototypes are seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, Calif., as seen from behind the preexisting border fencing on the international border between the U.S. and Tijuana, Mexico, on October 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

Three border wall prototypes are seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, Calif., as seen from behind the preexisting border fencing on the international border between the U.S. and Tijuana, Mexico, on October 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

A border-wall prototype is seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on Oct. 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

A border wall prototype is seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, Calif., as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on October 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

A border wall prototype is seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, Calif., as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on October 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

A border-wall prototype is seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, as seen from behind the pre-existing border fencing on U.S.-Mexico border on Oct. 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

Two border wall prototypes are seen among the construction of the prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry outside of San Diego, Calif., as seen from behind the preexisting border fencing on the international border between the U.S. and Tijuana, Mexico, on October 16, 2017. David Wallace/The Republic

On the Tijuana side, two men held up a sign that read, in Spanish, “Parks not walls.”

Daniel Watman said that instead of a wall, he envisioned an open park similar to the Peace Arch Park at the U.S. border with Canada in western Washington state.

“The separation results in people not getting to know each other,” said Watman, a U.S. citizen who now lives in Tijuana.

Trump's first visit to California met with opposition, support

Jacqueline Hackney (left) and her daughter, Tiffany Hackney, 13, (right) both of Corona, Calif., cheer during a rally in support of President Trump a few miles from where he will visit the border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, Calif., later in the day on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.(Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

The trip is Trump's first to California as president and, given his seemingly irreconcilable differences with the state's prevailing political culture, he was expected to be met by demonstrators. Several groups had announced anti-Trump events, such as Nuevo Movimento's protest march planned for Otay Mesa.

At least one group, San Diegans for Secure Borders, organized a pro-Trump rally. A group of about 200 people gathered in Otay Mesa on Tuesday, waving flags and signs.

Arthur Shaper of Torrence, Calif., held a bullhorn and led some chants. A sample: “Build that wall, nice and tall. Round them up and deport them all.”

CLOSE

As President Trump was on his way to see border wall prototypes in San Diego, protesters chanted, "No human being is illegal."

Shaper said he voted for Trump because of his promise to build the wall on the border.

“We’ve go to stop the drug flow,” he said. “We’ve got to stop the gang flow and the human trafficking.”

Melody Hurt, a 65-year-old retired teacher from Chula Vista, Calif., said that California used to be the most advanced state in the union. “That’s what I want again,” she said. “I want our children to be able to go outside and play safely.”

Just after 10 a.m., the crowd started a group sing-a-long of the Star Spangled Banner.

Near the border wall prototypes, several Trump supporters gathered on a corner behind a police barricade, waiting for his arrival. As a car passed, a man shouted from the window: “USA, USA!”

CLOSE

Demonstrators in San Diego protest plans for Donald Trump's border wall on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, ahead of the president's visit to California. USA TODAY Network

Near the San Ysidro border crossing, a crowd of about 75 pro-migrant protestors changed: “No hate, no fear. Immigrants are welcome here.”

Jules Luna, who lives in the Orange County city of Westminster, Calif., wore a black beret, raised a fist and joined in the chants.

"I don’t really have any words to describe the absurdity of the building a wall," Luna said. "It’s really just a monument to (Trump’s) ego and hatred and racism," Luna said. "It’s a senseless wall."

CLOSE

A crowd of protesters gather at San Ysidro in San Diego Calif., to protest during President Trump's visit to see the border wall prototypes on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Nick Oza/azcentral.com

Hundreds of protesters filled a parking lot at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church with signs reading "Not my president," "Bridges Not Walls," and "Build it and they will still come."

"I don’t think that the wall will happen," said Barbara Pebley, San Diego business executive. "But I didn’t think Donald Trump would get elected. Things are swinging so far to the right."

“We feel like Donald Trump is just attacking our community,” said Estela Jiménez, who lives in San Diego and said she’s often crossing the border back and forth. “I think he’s using the wall situation against our communities in order to get some votes.”

A Catholic priest, the Rev. Jose Zarate, led the crowd in a prayer. He told them: “Do not follow the message of hate. Do not allow yourself to be used and abused by those who want to divide this country – and already have. Say no to that division. Do not be silent.”

The rallies broke up shortly after Trump landed.

Even though the 30-foot wall prototypes tower over the containers, the boxes effectively blocked direct views of the ground north of the prototypes, the spot where Trump walked and inspected them.

Activists in Tijuana, Mexico, protest President Donald Trump's proposed border wall by projecting an image of a stick figure with the word "Illegale!" onto one of the prototypes on Nov. 18, 2017. Jill Marie Holslin

Activists in Tijuana, Mexico, protest President Donald Trump's proposed border wall by projecting an image of the Statue of Liberty with the words "Refugees Welcome Here" onto one of the prototypes on Nov. 18, 2017. Jill Marie Holslin

Activists in Tijuana, Mexico, protest President Donald Trump's proposed border wall by projecting an image of a ladder leading to the top of the wall onto one of the prototypes on Nov. 18, 2017. Jill Marie Holslin

A Border Patrol vehicle drives in front of an art installation in Tecate, Mexico, just beyond the border fence. A French artist known as JR hopes it will prompt discussion about immigration. The installation will be there for about a month. Gregory Bull/AP

A Border Patrol vehicle drives in front of an art installation in Tecate, Mexico, just beyond the border fence. A French artist known as JR hopes it will prompt discussion about immigration. The installation will be there for about a month. Gregory Bull/AP

A mural in Tecate, Mexico, sits just beyond the border fence on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017. The 65-foot-tall cut-out photo of a Mexican boy was created by a French artist aiming to prompt discussion about immigration. Gregory Bull/AP

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

Trump's border visit marked his first trek to California, a deep-blue state that overwhelmingly voted for his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and is being sued by his Justice Department over "sanctuary" immigration laws.

On Monday, the Trump administration pushed back against House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for suggesting that immigration authorities "terrorize" families with "unjust and cruel raids."

"Our ICE officers are protecting the immigrant community," Homan told reporters on a conference call. "You’re talking about law enforcement people that get up every day and leave the safety and security of their home, strap on a gun ... to defend this nation.”

Homan also complained that California law prohibits ICE from picking up people from state and local jails.

"We should get access to all their criminals," he said.

CLOSE

President Trump is putting California on notice with a threat to pull ICE officers out of the state. Veuer's Nick Cardona has that story.
Buzz60

The Justice Department earlier this month sued California over three state "sanctuary state" statutes. The laws ban employers and law-enforcement officials from cooperating with federal immigration authorities and provide for a state review of federal immigration detention, which the Justice Department says amounts to California unlawfully trying "to regulate the federal government."

California Gov. Jerry Brown responded to the U.S. lawsuit by accusing U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions of using "political stunts" to "further divide and polarize America."

During his tour, Trump criticized Brown saying he was doing a poor job of running California. "

"The place is totally out of control," Trump said. "You have sanctuary cities where you have criminals living in the sanctuary cities."

Trump was set to speak to members of the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. About an hour before the scheduled speech, a man in fatigues told a group of uniformed personnel to clap for the president rather than simply stand at attention. "It's not going to be all formal," he told the men."

Trump in Beverly Hills

CLOSE

A video shows workers on the U.S. side of the border in San Diego using containers to block the view of the border wall prototypes on March 12, 2018, ahead of Trump's visit. Rafael Carranza/azcentral.com

On Tuesday evening. Trump was expected to headline a fundraiser in Beverly Hills to benefit "Trump Victory," a joint fundraising committee benefiting his presidential campaign and the Republican National Committee.

Ronna McDaniel, the RNC chairwoman, and Todd Ricketts, the RNC's national finance chairman, are listed as hosts on an invitation that has been widely shared on the Internet.

The president will arrive at Los Angeles International Airport at 3:35 p.m. and then go to the Santa Monica landing zone.

Trump also will take part in a 6:30 p.m. roundtable discussion with Republican National Committee supporters at the private residence, according to the White House itinerary.

Alan Gomez of USA TODAY and Richard Ruelas, Dennis Wagner and Alden Woods of the Republic contributed to this story. Rebecca Plevin of the Desert Sun contributed reporting from Tijuana, Mex.

CLOSE

A very large group of San Diego police officers at the entrance to the Border Wall prototypes, just as Air Force One lands in San Diego’s Miramar base March 13, 2018.